Description

Nevis-Gibbston Track

Beginning from Nevis Crossing on Nevis Road, the track gradually winds its way up rutted sections of farm road until the 993 m Doolans Saddle. From there it descends to its end point at a boundary gate.

Four wheel driving

Doolans Saddle is the furthest drivable point from the Nevis Road (8.5 km). It's rutted in sections and for dry weather only. A narrow section with a steep drop off prior to Doolans Saddle is not for novices or the faint hearted.

River Face Track

Time: 2–2 hr 30 min one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 9 kmOther activities: Mountain biking Dog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary.

Branching off the Nevis-Gibbston Track, the River Face Track descends down a moderately steep farm road to the Nevis River. It provides fishing access to the Nevis catchment.

Dark Elliots Track

Time: 2–3 hr one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 7 kmOther activities: Mountain bikingDog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary. Seasonal restrictions: This track is closed annually from 15 October – 30 November for lambing.

Follow the Nevis Gibbston Track for 2 km (30–45 minutes) until the track sign on the left. For 5 km the track continues climbing a farm road to the conservation area boundary.

Sunny Elliots Track

Time: 3–4 hr one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 12 kmOther activities: Mountain biking, Horse ridingDog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary.

Follow the Nevis Gibbston Track for 8 km (2–2 hours 30 minutes) to a sign that marks the start of the track, 500 m from Doolans Saddle. It's a steady climb to the conservation area boundary.

Ryders Track

Time: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr one wayDistance: 4.5 kmDog access: Dogs on a leash only until inside the conservation area boundary. Seasonal restrictions: This track is closed annually from 15 October – 30 November for lambing.

From the sign on Nevis Road, the track follows a farm road, climbing steadily to the conservation area boundary.

Scotchmans Creek Track

Time: 1 hr one way from Nevis RoadDistance: 3.5 kmDog access: No dogsSeasonal restrictions: This track is closed annually from 15 October – 30 November for lambing.

Follow the Ryders Track for 2.5 km until the signed start of the Scotchmans Creek Track. This track climbs up onto a small knoll, which is a small independent section of the Remarkables Conservation Area.

Mountain biking

Nevis-Gibbston, River Face, Dark Elliots and Sunny Elliots Tracks can all be mountain biked.

Getting there

Nevis Road can be accessed from Cromwell (northern end) and Garston (southern end):

From Cromwell: Turn off SH 88 onto Barry Avenue, which becomes Bannockburn Road. Nevis Road starts where the seal ends at the end of Bannockburn Road. Nevis Crossing is 12 km from Cromwell.

From Garston: 1.5 km north of Garston, turn off SH 6 onto Nevis Road.

Four wheel driving

Four wheel driving is possible as far as Doolans Saddle on the Nevis-Gibbston Track.

Know before you go

Very hot and dry conditions are common in summer – adequate drinking water and sun protection are essential.

No fires.

Be avalanche alert: This area has terrain that can produce avalanches that cross the track, usually from May into November. View avalanche information.

Private property: This track crosses private land. Respect the landowner's livestock and property: stay on the marked track until you reach the conservation land, leave gates as you find them and use stiles where provided. Livestock can be unpredictable – keep your distance at all times/go around if necessary.